Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the recovery of domestic demand, suggesting a more optimistic outlook for investment opportunities in the food and beverage sector, with potential for a dual boost in fundamentals and valuations in the second half of the year [1] - The major consumption ETF has shown a year-to-date maximum drawdown of 5.57%, indicating some volatility, but it has also outperformed its benchmark with a one-year annualized excess return of 2.18% [2] - The latest price-to-earnings ratio (PE-TTM) for the major consumption index is 19.84, which is considered low compared to historical levels, indicating potential undervaluation [2] Group 2 - The top ten weighted stocks in the major consumption index account for 67.16% of the index, highlighting the concentration of investment in a few key players [3] - The performance of individual stocks within the index shows mixed results, with notable increases in stocks like Hai Tian Wei Ye (3.06%) and declines in others like Dong Peng Beverage (-0.89%) [5] - The report indicates that the liquor industry is entering a bottoming phase, with expectations for recovery as companies manage inventory more effectively in the latter half of the year [1]

Investment Rating - The report rates the food and beverage sector as "Overweight" for 2024 and Q1 2025 [1] Core Insights - The food and beverage sector is experiencing a slowdown, with 2024 revenue and net profit expected to grow by 2% and 4% year-on-year, respectively. For Q1 2025, revenue and net profit are projected to increase by 1% and 0.2% year-on-year, indicating overall deceleration [2][4] Summary by Sections 1. Food and Beverage Sector Overview - The food and beverage sector's total revenue for 2024 is projected at 1,089.8 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 2%, and net profit at 220.2 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 4%. The growth rate has decreased by 4.9 percentage points for revenue and 12.7 percentage points for net profit compared to the previous year [7][8] 2. Subsector Performance 2.1. Baijiu (Chinese liquor) - The baijiu sector is facing demand pressure, with revenue growth for high-end, mid-range, and regional baijiu expected to be 12%, 3%, and 0% respectively in 2024. Net profit growth is projected at 11%, -1%, and -7% respectively, indicating a clear performance differentiation among brands [12][14] 2.2. Beer - The beer sector is showing signs of recovery, with Q1 2025 revenue increasing by 4% and net profit by 11%. However, the average price per ton is under pressure, with a slight decline in prices observed [47][48] 2.3. Snacks - The snack segment is experiencing structural growth, with revenue growth of 18% in Q4 2024 and 2% in Q1 2025, although the latter is affected by high base effects and the timing of the Spring Festival [4][8] 2.4. Soft Drinks - The soft drink sector maintains a good growth trajectory, with revenue growth of 3% and net profit growth of 1% in Q1 2025, driven by strong performance from leading brands [4][8] 2.5. Dairy Products - The dairy sector faced a decline in 2024, with revenue down 7% and net profit down 27%. However, there are signs of improvement in Q1 2025 [4][8] 2.6. Seasonings - The seasoning sector is showing marginal improvement, with revenue growth of 3% and net profit growth of 7% in Q1 2025 [4][8] 2.7. Food Supply Chain - The food supply chain sector is under pressure due to increased competition, with revenue down 5% and net profit down 13% in Q1 2025 [4][8] 3. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests overweight positions in high-quality growth stocks within the baijiu sector, such as Shanxi Fenjiu and Guizhou Moutai, as well as in snack companies like Three Squirrels and Yanjin. In the beer sector, it recommends stocks like Qingdao Beer and Zhujiang Beer [4][8]

Core Viewpoint - The liquor industry is entering a phase of bottoming out, with signs of pressure relief expected in the second quarter of 2025, leading to potential recovery in the second half of the year [1][3] Liquor Sector - The liquor sector is showing signs of bottoming out, with significant structural differentiation among companies, particularly the resilience of leading brands [1][2] - In 2024, the overall demand for liquor is expected to weaken, leading to a decline in cash flow and profit for most listed liquor companies, except for Moutai [1][2] - For Q1 2025, major liquor companies have adopted a more pragmatic approach, with revenue growth of 1.6% and profit growth of 0.3% compared to the previous year [2] Leading Brands - Moutai's revenue grew by 11.7% and profit by 13.8%, significantly outperforming the industry, while Wuliangye achieved positive growth in the thousand-yuan price segment [2] - Regional leaders like Gujing and Jinshiyuan have also shown stronger performance compared to their competitors [2][4] Capital Market - Major liquor companies are enhancing shareholder returns through high dividends and significant buybacks, which helps to bolster market confidence [2] Consumer Goods Sector - The dairy and beer sectors have emerged from their bottoming phase, while snacks and beverages are performing well [2][3] - The overall revenue and profit for the consumer goods sector increased by 2.4% and 8.4% respectively in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 [2] New Opportunities - New channels and product categories are driving growth in the snack and beverage sectors, with significant expansion in snack retail and innovative beverage offerings [3][4] - The food and beverage industry is expected to gradually recover, with potential for both fundamental and valuation improvements in the second half of the year [3][4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" recommendation for the food and beverage industry, indicating a gradual bottoming out for the liquor sector and a positive outlook for consumer goods [2]. Core Insights - The liquor sector is showing signs of bottoming out with significant structural differentiation among companies, while the consumer goods sector is recovering from a downturn [4][7]. - The report emphasizes the importance of domestic demand recovery, suggesting that new market scenarios and product categories present structural investment opportunities [4]. Summary by Sections 1. Liquor Sector: Signs of Bottoming Out and Structural Differentiation - The liquor industry experienced a slowdown in Q4 2024, but maintained positive growth in Q1 2025 despite high base effects, with significant differentiation among companies [7]. - Major liquor companies like Moutai and Wuliangye are outperforming the market, with Moutai's revenue growth at 10.7% and profit growth at 11.6% in Q1 2025 [12][16]. - The overall revenue for the liquor sector in 2024 was 4,417.7 billion, with a growth rate of 7.7%, while Q1 2025 saw a revenue of 1,533.6 billion, reflecting a growth of 1.8% [12][15]. 2. Consumer Goods Sector: Recovery and Bright Spots - The consumer goods sector, including dairy and beer, is showing signs of recovery, with revenue and profit growth of 2.4% and 8.4% respectively in Q1 2025 [4][16]. - New channels and product categories are driving growth in snacks and beverages, with companies like Dongpeng and Nongfu showing strong performance [4][16]. - The report suggests a positive outlook for the consumer goods sector, with expectations of a dual boost in fundamentals and valuations in the latter half of the year [4][16]. 3. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on leading companies in the liquor sector, such as Moutai and Wuliangye, as they are expected to benefit from the recovery phase [4][16]. - For consumer goods, it suggests investing in snack and beverage companies that are leveraging new channels and product innovations, highlighting the potential for significant growth [4][16].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the Chinese consumer staples sector is generally positive, with multiple companies rated as "Outperform" [1]. Core Insights - In April 2025, five out of eight tracked industries maintained positive growth, two experienced negative growth, and one remained flat. The sectors with single-digit growth include dairy, food and beverage, soft drinks, condiments, and frozen foods. The declining sectors are mass and below liquor and sub-high-end and above liquor, while the beer industry remained flat. Compared to the previous month, six industries showed improved growth rates, while two saw a deterioration. Overall demand has not significantly increased or decreased [10][34]. Summary by Category Liquor Industry - **Sub-high-end and above liquor**: In April, revenue was 26.4 billion yuan, down 1.5% year-on-year. Cumulative revenue for January to April was 167 billion yuan, up 0.3% year-on-year. Inventory levels increased as demand entered a low season [4][14]. - **Mass and below liquor**: Revenue in April was 15 billion yuan, down 10.7% year-on-year, marking 15 consecutive months of negative growth. Cumulative revenue for January to April was 75.2 billion yuan, down 13.9% year-on-year [16]. Beer Industry - Revenue in April was 14 billion yuan, flat compared to the same period last year. Cumulative revenue for January to April was 60.6 billion yuan, down 0.2% year-on-year. The industry is preparing for the upcoming sales season with low inventory levels [5][19]. Condiments - Revenue in April was 36.3 billion yuan, up 2.3% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue for January to April at 155.4 billion yuan, growing 1.3% year-on-year. The industry is experiencing weak sales due to external consumption pressures [21]. Dairy Products - Revenue in April was 33.6 billion yuan, up 3.4% year-on-year, while cumulative revenue for January to April was 156 billion yuan, down 0.6% year-on-year. The industry showed positive growth due to a low base effect from the previous year [23]. Frozen Foods - Revenue in April was 6.7 billion yuan, up 1.5% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue for January to April at 43.1 billion yuan, up 1.3% year-on-year. The industry faces challenges due to lower consumer spending and increased competition [25]. Soft Drinks - Revenue in April was 50 billion yuan, up 2.7% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue for January to April at 235.6 billion yuan, up 2.3% year-on-year. The industry is entering its peak season with intensified competition [27]. Restaurant Sector - Revenue for listed restaurant companies in April was 13.4 billion yuan, up 3.1% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue for January to April at 57.1 billion yuan, up 2.6% year-on-year. The sector is seeing recovery, particularly in tea and Western fast food segments [29].

Summary of the Conference Call Industry Overview - The overall trend in the liquor industry is declining, with a two-digit percentage drop observed in April 2025. However, Moutai has shown strong performance amidst this downturn, particularly with its Feitian series maintaining reasonable inventory levels. This indicates effective demand release through price adjustments and marketing strategy changes [11][12][59]. Key Points on Moutai - Moutai is balancing revenue and market prices by adjusting product structure and enhancing channel management. The Feitian Moutai remains stable, while the Rooster Moutai has increased supply quotas and relaxed reporting restrictions for distributors [1][3]. - In 2025, Moutai's distribution channels progressed rapidly, completing approximately 50% of the total Feitian volume from January to April, with a contract plan reaching 48%. This is a 10 percentage point increase compared to the previous year [5]. - Moutai's pricing is expected to fluctuate between 2,100 and 2,200 yuan in the second quarter of 2025, with a low probability of dropping below 2,000 yuan [2][13]. - Moutai has successfully attracted new customer groups, particularly for non-business consumption, which has helped maintain its market position despite overall industry weakness [7][8]. Competitor Analysis - **Wuliangye**: The batch price remains stable at 915-920 yuan, but slow sales due to insufficient market demand have led to significant inventory pressure. The company has committed to not letting distributors incur losses, but the market's trust has diminished [4][21]. - **Guojiao 1573**: The batch price for high-alcohol liquor is 860 yuan and for low-alcohol liquor is 610 yuan. The low-alcohol segment is performing better in the Shandong market, with a strong sales strategy involving annual volume agreements with distributors [22][23]. Market Dynamics - The overall liquor market's shipment pace has increased in 2025, yet prices remain stable due to controlled shipment volumes and effective communication with distributors [6]. - The demand for liquor during the May Day holiday was not ideal, with Moutai's box price ranging from 2,100 to 2,170 yuan, reflecting weak market demand [14][15]. - Predictions for upcoming holidays like Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival are cautious, with expectations of low gifting demand due to weak business activities [16]. Inventory and Sales Strategies - Moutai's inventory levels are low, typically less than a month for distributors, indicating tight supply management [31]. - Wuliangye's inventory situation is concerning, with many distributors facing financial losses and a lack of trust in the brand leading to slow sales [21][18]. - Guojiao 1573 has a relatively high inventory level, with low-alcohol products dominating the market [22]. Conclusion - The liquor industry is facing significant challenges, with Moutai managing to navigate these through strategic adjustments and effective channel management. Competitors like Wuliangye and Guojiao 1573 are struggling with inventory and market trust issues, highlighting the competitive pressures within the industry.

Summary of Industry and Company Insights from Conference Call Records Industry Overview Alcohol Industry - The liquor industry is currently in a bottoming phase, with overall deceleration and rising costs. High-end liquor brands like Moutai, Wuliangye, and Luzhou Laojiao show strong resilience, with combined revenue and profit growth of 7.4% and 7.9% respectively in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 [1][12][11] - The high-end liquor segment is crucial, with brands such as Moutai, Wuliangye, and Luzhou Laojiao being particularly noteworthy. Other brands like Fenjiu and regional brands such as Jiuqu Hong and Gujing Gongjiu are also significant [4][12] - The overall revenue for the liquor sector in 2024 was 442.2 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 7.3% [11] - The sales expense ratio for the liquor sector was approximately 9.7%, an increase of 0.4 percentage points year-on-year, indicating a strategy to maintain market share through increased spending [13] Beer Industry - The beer industry is facing sales pressure, with a slowdown in price upgrades. However, some companies are achieving excess profits through volume growth and improved operational efficiency [5][35] - In 2024, the beer sector's revenue was generally under pressure, but Q1 2025 saw a rebound in sales for most brands, excluding Budweiser [35][37] Food and Beverage Industry - The food and beverage sector is experiencing a shift from high-end to low-end consumption, influenced by government policies and consumer expectations [2] - The condiment sector is in a phase of stock competition, with weak sales environments but better profit expectations due to sustained raw material cost advantages [3][43] Key Insights Financial Performance - The liquor sector's combined revenue growth for Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 was 1.5%, with profit growth of 0.2% [11] - High-end liquor brands maintained stable profit margins, while mid-tier and regional brands experienced declines in revenue and profit [12][27] - Online sales for liquor reached 10.38 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 10.8%, indicating a strong trend towards online sales [20] Consumer Trends - The consumer trend in 2025 shows a notable shift towards value-oriented purchases, with a more rational approach from investors in selecting companies for potential rebounds [2] - The snack food sector is seeing a divergence in performance, with production-oriented companies benefiting from category advantages while channel-oriented companies face pressure [46][47] Investment Recommendations - Investment focus should be on high-end stable brands in the liquor sector, such as Moutai and Wuliangye, as well as promising regional brands with strong market performance [25][22] - The beer sector is expected to recover in Q2 2025, with companies like Qingdao and Yanjing showing potential for growth due to low base effects from the previous year [42] Future Outlook - The liquor industry is anticipated to see significant differentiation in performance during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day in 2025, with ongoing monitoring of market dynamics [23] - The overall valuation of the liquor sector is at historical lows, with a price-to-earnings ratio (PETTM) below 20 times, suggesting potential for recovery [24] Additional Considerations - The health supplement and additive sectors are expected to expand in the long term, with companies that have strong R&D capabilities showing stability and competitiveness [7][57] - The beverage market is experiencing significant differentiation, with energy drinks and electrolyte beverages launching new products, while competition in the sugar-free tea segment intensifies [9][58]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [7] Core Views - The company's performance in 2024 and Q1 2025 met expectations, with notable dividend returns [11] - The growth is driven by the "Tequ 60" product, with an optimized channel structure [1][2] - The company is focusing on digital transformation and maintaining strategic pricing [11] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved revenue of 31.196 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.19%, and a net profit of 13.473 billion yuan, up 1.71% [11] - For Q1 2025, revenue reached 9.352 billion yuan, growing 1.78% year-on-year, with a net profit of 4.593 billion yuan, an increase of 0.41% [11] - The gross and net profit margins for 2024 were 87.54% and 43.27%, respectively, with slight declines observed in Q1 2025 [3] Product and Channel Analysis - Revenue from mid-to-high-end liquor in 2024 was 27.585 billion yuan, up 2.77% year-on-year, while other liquor revenue was 3.467 billion yuan, increasing by 7.15% [1] - The traditional channel revenue was 29.573 billion yuan, growing 3.20%, while emerging channels generated 1.479 billion yuan, up 4.14% [2] - The company saw a decrease in the number of domestic and international distributors, but the overall scale per distributor increased by 4.81% to 16.5582 million yuan [2] Dividend Policy - The company has a three-year dividend plan, committing to cash dividends of at least 65%, 70%, and 75% of net profit for the years 2024 to 2026, respectively, with a minimum of 8.5 billion yuan each year [4] Earnings Forecast and Valuation - The company is expected to see revenue growth rates of 1.00%, 6.77%, and 7.04% from 2025 to 2027, with net profit growth rates of 0.98%, 6.70%, and 7.11% [5] - Earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be 9.24, 9.86, and 10.56 yuan for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, with price-to-earnings (PE) ratios of 13.39, 12.55, and 11.71 [5]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [1][5][16] Core Views - The company achieved a revenue of 31.2 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 3.2%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 13.47 billion yuan, up 1.7% year-on-year. The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a revenue of 6.89 billion yuan, down 16.9% year-on-year, and a net profit of 1.879 billion yuan, down 29.9% year-on-year. In the first quarter of 2025, the company reported a revenue of 9.352 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.78%, and a net profit of 4.593 billion yuan, up 0.41% year-on-year, aligning with market expectations [5][6][8]. Financial Summary - The company forecasts net profits for 2025, 2026, and 2027 to be 13.94 billion, 14.49 billion, and 15.24 billion yuan respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of 3.4%, 3.9%, and 5.2%. The earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be 9.47, 9.84, and 10.35 yuan, with corresponding price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios of 13.1, 12.6, and 12.0 times [5][10][11]. Revenue and Profitability - The company's revenue from mid-to-high-end liquor reached 27.59 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 2.8%, with sales volume increasing by 14.4% and price per ton decreasing by 10.2%. Other liquor categories generated revenue of 3.47 billion yuan, up 7.1% year-on-year [6][8]. - The gross profit margin for 2024 decreased by 0.8 percentage points to 87.5%, while the net profit margin fell by 0.6 percentage points to 43.2% [8][10]. Market Strategy - The company is focusing on stabilizing market order and improving efficiency in expense allocation, implementing a five-step system to ensure a steady repayment rhythm for distributors [7][8].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Luzhou Laojiao is maintained at "Buy" [1][5]. Core Views - The company achieved a revenue of 31.2 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 3.2%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 13.47 billion yuan, up 1.7% year-on-year. The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a revenue decline of 16.9% year-on-year, with a net profit decrease of 29.9% [5][6]. - For the first quarter of 2025, the company reported a revenue of 9.35 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.78%, and a net profit of 4.593 billion yuan, up 0.41% year-on-year, aligning with market expectations [5]. - The company is focusing on long-term healthy development by adjusting growth expectations based on product pricing and market order, maintaining a long-term perspective [5]. Financial Summary - In 2024, the company’s mid-to-high-end liquor revenue was 27.59 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.8%, with sales volume increasing by 14.4% and price decreasing by 10.2% [6]. - The company’s sales cash collection in 2024 was 40.04 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 26.7%, which was higher than the revenue growth rate [7]. - The gross profit margin for 2024 decreased by 0.8 percentage points to 87.5%, while the net profit margin decreased by 0.6 percentage points to 43.2% [8]. - The company’s earnings per share (EPS) for 2025 is projected to be 9.47 yuan, with net profits expected to be 13.94 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.4% [10][11].